Rituparna Sengupta Recalls Rituparno Ghosh's Profound Influence on Her Artistic Path
In a heartfelt reflection, acclaimed actress Rituparna Sengupta has opened up about her profound creative partnership with the late filmmaker Rituparno Ghosh. Their relationship, she reveals, was not merely professional but a deep artistic bond that quietly molded her journey in cinema, leading to films that defined an era of Bengali storytelling.
A Partnership That Redefined Bengali Cinema
Together, Sengupta and Ghosh crafted cinematic masterpieces that delved into emotional fragility, inner conflicts, and the unspoken layers of womanhood. From the National Award-winning Dahan to Utsab, their collaborations were rooted in mutual trust and an unspoken understanding. "Rituda saw something in me – an intensity, a depth – that even I didn’t know I had. He helped me discover a new version of myself as an actor," Sengupta shared, adding with a note of sorrow, "He left us too soon."
As Calcutta Times marks its 25th anniversary, Sengupta reminisces about the maverick director who not only revolutionized Bengali cinema but also steered her career in a transformative direction. She also discusses her own cinematic evolution, offering excerpts from their conversations.
Early Encounters and Career Milestones
Sengupta first met Ghosh in 1996 at NT1 Studios during the shoot of a Swapan Saha film. "I still remember what he told me: 'Ritu, I feel your capability as an artiste is beyond commercial films and you should explore it,'" she recalled. This led to her casting as Romita in Dahan, a role that introduced her to a new genre of cinema and became a revelation in her artistic life.
Ghosh’s advice was pivotal: "Acting is the art of believably embodying a character, making the audience forget they are watching a performance; it should look effortless on screen." Sengupta credits this guidance with teaching her the nuances of acting, calling Dahan a milestone in her career.
Personal Regrets and Intimate Gestures
Despite their successful collaborations, Sengupta expresses regret over missing opportunities to work in Ghosh’s films like Dosar and Chokher Bali due to personal reasons. "These missed chances will remain a quiet ache, because some industry relationships are not measured only by the films made together," she lamented.
On a lighter note, she revealed Ghosh’s meticulous attention to detail, especially regarding makeup. "He was extremely fussy about my makeup. He used to erase everything on my face and say, 'I just want that clear, raw skin of yours.' That’s why in all my films with Rituda, one won’t find even an iota of makeup on my face," Sengupta explained. She also shared fond memories of his playful scolding for her tardiness and his personal touches, like applying chandan on her wedding day and designing her wedding card in both Bengali and English.
Continual Learning and Artistic Evolution
With three decades in the industry, Sengupta emphasizes that she is still learning as an actor. "Every phase has taught me something extraordinary. I started in commercial films, rediscovered depth with directors like Rituparno Ghosh, Aparna Sen, and others, and now, new-age directors are making this learning curve beautiful and substantial," she stated. She takes pride in being chosen for complex roles and believes in doing meaningful work within her capacity.
She cherishes personal memories, such as Ghosh being the first to call on her birthdays and offering fashion advice. "On my birthday, the first call used to come from Rituda. He would also suggest what I should team with my saris, and say, 'Kom sajbi.' Those were beautiful days," she reminisced.
Commitment to Craft and Audience
Sengupta remains dedicated to her craft, feeling the same excitement and pressure to make characters believable. "I don’t use any shortcuts – it has always been about hard work and dedication. In that way, despite changing times, I remain quite conservative about my process," she asserted.
Reflecting on her long career, she attributes her success to patience, resilience, and fearlessness. "I’ve never cheated my audience; I have always tried to give them everything I have to offer. Reinvention is a continuous process, and I’m still hungry for meaningful and rare roles," Sengupta concluded, highlighting her ongoing commitment to living up to audience expectations.
